How to Enjoy Big Bend National Park With the Kids

Far away from the city lights (and big-city amusements), Big Bend National Park is the perfect place to teach kids about astronomy, balanced ecosystems, the necessity of preserving important habitats, and international borders.

Things You'll Need

• Hiking Boots
• Maps
• Nature Field Guides
• National Park Passes
• Backpacks
• Bicycle Helmets
• Camping Gear
• Children's Bicycles

Instructions

1. See "How to Enjoy Big Bend National Park," under Related eHows, for general information about the park and the activities available there. Many of these are appropriate for children as well as adults.

2. Sign kids up for the Junior Ranger program. Pick up a Junior Ranger Activity Booklet at a visitors center, help kids complete the activities suggested, then return the booklet to the visitors center for a Junior Ranger badge or patch, plus a certificate.

3. Take the kids hiking. There are several easy hikes that kids of all ages can go on, including the Window View Trail and the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail.

4. Get kids involved in ranger-led programs. These include guided hikes, slide programs, bird walks, geology lessons and guided explorations of various park features. Check the schedule at the visitors center to make sure you take advantage of all the available programs.

5. Hit the bike trails. Kids should do well on some of the easier rides, such as the Panther Junction to Rio Grande Village ride, the Old Maverick Road ride or the Dagger Flat Auto Trail. Have a shuttle pick you up, as the ride back may be too much for the kids.

6. Drive to the Museum of the Big Bend on the campus of Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, to see excellent exhibits on the history and heritage of the Big Bend region.

7. Inquire about the schedule of the Big Bend Players. Their season runs from fall to early June and always includes at least one production especially for kids or families.

Tips & Warnings

• There really isn't anyplace to swim safely in the park. The nearest decent swimming hole is a 3-hour drive north, to Balmorhea State Park.

• Be sure that kids know and follow all traffic rules when on bikes, and that they wear helmets.

• Kids may be tempted to swim in the Rio Grande, especially if the weather is hot. The National Park Service recommends that no one swim in the waters, which are often polluted and contain rushing currents and deep holes.

• Fossils, rocks and feathers are attractive to kids. Let them know that picking up and taking anything out of the park is prohibited.

• Teach kids wildlife safety and how to avoid snakes.